Radioscintigraphy in the diagnosis of upper airway obstruction.

Radiological and scintigraphic patterns in patients with upper airway obstruction are discussed. In contrast to the multiple hot spots of radioaerosol in bronchial asthma, localized spots were demonstrated in the neck and mediastinum. The sites correspond to those of severe obstruction of upper airways confirmed by tomography and bronchography. Aerosol inhalation lung scintigraphy is recommended for the patient with wheezing and a normal chest radiograph when a localized obstruction is suspected.